I would like you to meet Charlotte – an adorable little girl from Hornell, NY – diagnosed with a rare Neural Tube Defect that has required multiple surgeries and treatment since even before her birth. In December 2021, Angel Flight NE had the opportunity to assist Charlotte & her family with air transportation to Paley Orthopedic & Spine in Florida for corrective surgery on her legs. With the continuing support from JetBlue, the Alexion Charitable Foundation and Hasbro, we had the opportunity to support this adorable little one and her family giving them the ability to focus on treatment instead of travel!

Charlotte’s journey began even before she was born – having fetal surgery to close her spine while in utero. Since then, Charlotte has required multiple surgeries including two brain surgeries & three years of kidney dialysis. Her father donated a kidney to her in early 2021 with the hope it would eliminate the need for further kidney treatment.

With our amazing partnership with Hasbro Toys, we were able to send a fun care package to Charlotte to greet her when she arrived home from her JetBlue flight this past December. Hasbro supports Angel Flight NE’s mission not only with life-saving grants but also with unlimited toys to provide to the children we fly including Mr. Aviation Potato Head.

Carli, Charlotte’s Mother, shared the following:
“Thank you Angel Flight! We had wonderful flights and successful surgery! A big package filled with toys was waiting for us when we arrived home. Charlotte especially loves her Mr. Potato Head.”

As with all of our patients, Charlotte is forever a part of our Angel Flight NE family. Mission/Flight requests – like Charlotte’s – happen daily and we are privileged to have the opportunity to not only fly but deeply care for all who turn to us for help at difficult times in their lives. And we are here for Charlotte for as long and as frequently as she needs our help and to ensure the best possible outcome. Charlotte has a long road ahead of her, but Angel Flight NE with the help of our compassionate partners and supporters are here to help her along the way.

Thank You and God Bless You for your support and belief in our healing mission. With your help and belief in our mission, we can ensure that distance is never an obstacle for patients, like Charlotte.

Warmest regards,

Fr. Larry & the AFNE Staff